Photo: Shari Small/WBZ NewsRadio
LAWRENCE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Since launching a pilot program in 2022, the fare-free bus service from the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit System has become a permanent feature and a total success.
Offering free service for riders to several hubs in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen, MEVA Transit Administrator Noah Berger said ridership has tripled since going fare-free.
“Satisfaction with our system is record high, so 86% of respondents in the survey said that they are either satisfied with our service or extremely satisfied,” said Berger.
The program was made permanent last year, and much of that service is found to go between hospitals and clinics.
“That translates to people seeing doctors, that’s people staying healthy, that’s people staying alive, which has a tremendous benefit to our community,” said Berger.
Schools have also been a large destination for travelers, and the program is primarily funded through the so-called “Massachusetts Millionaires Tax.”
Wherever they may be traveling, riders have been pleased with the expense-free travel.
“I have one vehicle, my wife works, and we got three kids, so I have to take the bus. I’m able to get home at least knowing I have that free form of transportation,” said Obed, a rider in Lawrence.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports.